With less than three weeks until the big day (time to start boiling those sprouts), many of us will be geting ready to invite our friends and family round for a good old festive knees up. But those who rent need to make sure they remember their responsibilities or risk an unwanted present this year.

Just because you rent doesn’t mean you don’t need to do your neighbourly duty, warns the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) – in fact you could face the wrath of more than just your landlord if you turn the festive volume up too loud.

A spokesman from ARLA had this to say: “No one wants to be a killjoy but it’s important for tenants to remember they are not immune from their responsibilities to neighbours. While most renters are responsible, a small minority risk falling foul of their landlord, or even the law, if they push the limit this party season. Some common courtesy and making sure you’re familiar with your tenancy agreement and noise regulations should ensure a harmonious and fuss-free festive season.”

Top tips to avoid festive fall-out

1. Let your neighbours know: More often than not, if neighbours are informed of a party in advance, they are more accommodating of the resulting noise. Giving advance warning means that they can either adapt their plans so they are less affected, or it can simply act as reassurance that the partying won’t be a persistent problem. Why not invite them to the party too? It’s a great way to build goodwill and allow them to join in the fun!

2. Check the small print: Some tenancy agreements contain rules about hosting parties or gatherings; make sure in advance that you’re not breaking any of them. If you have any concerns, it is always best to check directly with your landlord or letting agent.

3. Keep an eye on the clock: The Noise Act 1996 was introduced to outlaw those who have little or no respect for peace and quiet from 11pm to 7am. Make sure you keep your eyes on the time and when the clock turns 11pm, remember to turn your music down.

4. Choose your guests wisely: Remember that accidental damage that occurs during a party may come out of your deposit, so take care with your property’s fittings and furnishings. If damage does occur, it is always best to inform your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible to ensure you don’t get any unexpected charges when you move out.

5. The final straw: If persistent noise complaints are made, it could result in your eviction from a property. In England and Wales, section 144 of the Housing Act 1996 also allows excessive noise nuisance to be possible grounds for eviction.

The rental market across the UK was forecast to be one of the worst affected sectors in the wake of the Brexit vote in the EU referendum, but the latest figures would suggest that the sector has actually performed far better than it might have been expected to in the last few months.

According to the new buy-to-let index released this week by Your Move, there has been a minimal impact on rental prices only since the electorate voted to leave the single market. It said that since the referendum in June, prices for rental properties have actually climbed in all regions of the UK except for two.

Your Move’s data shows that the average rental price nationwide stood at £887 in August, which put it 4.8 per cent ahead of the figure that was in evidence in July, and an impressive 8.7 per cent higher than at the same time a year ago.

In London, where rental prices continue to move at a red hot pace, with data for the month showing that they have now hit an all-time high in the capital of £1,391. Surprisingly, though, this is not the fastest rising area in the UK for rental prices, with the south-east having stolen that crown from London.

While this used to be an area where house sales greatly outstripped the volume of rental properties, this is changing as the south-east falls more in line with the way the rest of the market has adapted in the last few years.

Adrian Gill, lettings director with Your Move, said that the latest figures show how the market has fought back against political turbulence that was in evidence over the past few years.

“The rental market appears to have left any uncertainty about the market behind with prices across England and Wales again reaching record highs,” he said.

“London continues to be home to the highest rents but other areas such as the north-east and south-east are witnessing even stronger levels of growth over the year, demonstrating the seasonal impact of the student market.”